The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-12-09
A LITTLE HEROINE.
Jack Venture" end Row it Was
Eoubly Ilessed.

''i'il go and try my fortune Will
Uncle Robert" said Jack. Bless and
Maria failed because he could not stand
girls with such fine ideas; but won't
trouble him that way. The old fellow
is all right if one only stirs him up in
the right way.''
My child" said the gentle Mrs.
Raymond. 81 do not like to hear YOU
speak in that boyish. rude manner.
fear Your uncle would have less pa
thence with You than your sisters. No.
he does not intend to forgive me. and
We will make no further advances.
ooh. yes we will. deariem and Jack S
curly head buried itself i'm the mother
shoulder, coaxingly. "Do let me try
to win the obstinate old-well. there.
then to win our honored relative to a
proper sense of his obligations toward
his only sister and her interesting
family. How will that do. eh! Now.
mother, don't shake your head so; it 5
no use. Why did you give me boy
name and bring me up on tops and
marbles if You want me to be real
girl9"
ut your fathers wish, you know.
dear. He was so grievously disap-
pointed that he had no son. But Jack
ueline is not a boys name," and Mrs.
Raymond shook her head smilinslv at
her waywarti daughter.
mo. but Jack is; and Tn never
called any thing eise." that young lady
replied, triumphantly, with an obst;-
nate little shake Of the jetty curls that
gave such piquancy to her bright face.
eff father were only here he would let
me try any thing that would take the
burden from off your shoulders, and.
now that he is dead. uncle must surely
forgive you for marrying against his
wishes What right had he to have
wishes, anyhow"
HE was my only living relative and
guardian, answered Mrs. Raymond,
who was always ready to excuse her
brothers harsh treatment.
"Well, mother, do let me 90 "beard
the lion in his den, the Douglas in his
hall. said Jack. gaily. you know
we must do something. for We can get
no work of any kind in this place,
though we've tried so faithfully"
"Well, go, my dear, and shall pray
for your success" said the gentle
mother.
Mr.. Robert Doran sat covering be-
side a dull, spiritless fire one bright
spring morning. His room was dusty
and disortlered, though its furnishing
was good and even luxurious. He
looked moody and discomtented, as if
the wealth that showed itself in the
handsome surroundings brought no
pleasure to its owner. Perhaps he was
thinking of the sister who had once
made sunshine in the now gloomy
home. and wished that his pride would
let him beg her to come back and care
for him in his dreary old age.
A tap at the door aroused him.
''Who is it?" he demanded, in sur
prise, for his servants never came I'M
summoned.
The door opened slowly and bright
face peeped in.
''its Jack Raymond. at Your service.
uncle. and in the venturesome girl
walked. and stood before him.
She wore long ulster, closely but
toned TO the throat, where a standing
collar and neat black tie showed
themselves. while on the short. glossy
curls was jaunty Derby" guiltless
of any trimming save the simple mas
culine band.
why. l didn't know my sister had
SON.. exclaimed the old gentleman, his
wrinkled face showing some thing very
like satisfaction as he looked 1T the new
conner.
''She hasn't" said Jack. with dane
ing eyes; ''but it isn't my fault. do
my best Pm awfully sorry Tn not a
boy. uncle, if it would please you; but
let me stay awhile and you'll see what
iirst-class substitute l am. removing
her hat and bowling with easy grace.
''But. dear me! how dull it is here!
Your fire wants a good stirring ups
And Selling the poker she attacked
the Goals in the CRATE with an energy
that seemed TO imply that she would
like to treat him in the same fashion.
A bright blaze followed her vigorous
action, dancing on the walls and show
ing the bright hues Of pictures and
furniture. despite the dust that covered
them, bringing q CHEEKY look, too, even
&c Mr.. Doran's grim face.
THERE said Jack. giving last ap-
proving poke, that's better Now, if
! just open this window and let in the
sunshine. so-" shifting the action to
the word-.you'll feel as bright as
spring morning"
The girl was like May-day herself.
futtcrinG around the room as if waited
by invisible breezes. her bright face the
embodiment of sunshine: and as the
lonely cd man watched her light fingers
bringing order ont of confus on that
had reigned So long, aquizzical smile
dawned on his face.
''For a would-bc boy You seem to
know good deal about such things"
he remarked, dryly.